I’m often asked about research; People ask how much I do, where I find my information, if it’s hard, and if I ever find it boring. The truth is it can be a grind at times, particularly when writing about a period that’s new to me. Every genre and every book requires research. As an historical writer I may have to stop and look up minutia such as children’s games, furniture, meals, vernacular and slang, as well as the larger historical events of the day. There are times I might spend an entire afternoon researching a geographical area I end up describing in one paragraph or even one line!
I don’t think I could ever write a science fiction. While I enjoy reading it and love watching documentaries on Discovery Channel; physics, chemistry, and biology were a grim and painful struggle for me back in high-school and I’d never willingly submit to studying them again-certainly not to the extent required to write a plausible science fiction. I choose to write about things I have some affinity for, so usually research is a pleasure rather than a pain. Far from being boring, it’s one of the great-and for me unexpected- joys of writing; often exciting, sometimes down right spooky, and at times the door to fabulous adventures I’d never have otherwise had.
As you’d probably expect I’ve spent hours researching on the internet and in libraries, I’ve found some great maps and 
historical documents, and I have a wonderful dictionary that includes information and dates on a words first recorded use. When it’s a topic I think I’ll go back to in future or something that fascinates me, I’ll buy a good reference book or first hand account to keep on my shelf. I’ve found some real treasures browsing history and biography bargain bins and second hand bookstores, including a 325 year old first edition of the Earl of Rochester’s deathbed confession. That man (played by Johnny Depp in The Libertine) was the equivalent of a 17th century rock star who wrote poetry that would make a rapper blush.
Ok…All very interesting to a history geek no doubt…but exciting? A door to adventure? Well here’s the part many people don’t realize. It’s not all libraries and books. A lot of it involves doing. For Broken Wing I took fiddle lessons with a handsome virtuoso, toured the Louvre, and visited the oldest café in Paris, the Café Procope where Voltaire used to drink his coffee and Marat, Robespierre and Danton planned the French Revolution. For Highland Rebel I took a couple of fencing lessons to get a better feel for the sword fighting Cat. A white-water rafting adventure helped me with the scenes in the Killiecrankie Pass and I toured London, Ireland, and visited Blarney Castle and kissed the stone (a good idea for any story teller I think). I love to travel and hooray, it’s a business expense!
It’s also surprising how helpful people can be. Under the guise of research I’ve sailed on a tall ship and held the wheel with a really cute captain steadying my shoulder, interviewed a handsome lieutenant at the local military base for information on helicopters, and met and interviewed a ghost hunting team and got to play with some of their gadgets. All just by calling and asking. I’d have never had the nerve to approach people and ask to try any of these things without the excuse of “…ahem…I’m researching a book on…and I need to know…I wonder if you can help me?”
That has to me one of my favorite lines for meeting people and exploring things I find interesting. So I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have about research, my new release Highland Rebel which I hope you will all read and enjoy, or writing in general, but my inner research demon is itching to ask something of you. If you could ask that question of anyone…who would you ask and what would be the topic?
About the Author
Judith James has worked as a legal assistant, trail guide, and counselor. Living in Nova Scotia, her personal journey has taken her to the Arctic and the West Coast. Her writing combines her love of history and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature and the heart’s capacity to heal. For more information about Judith, please visit http://www.judithjamesauthor.com/
Today Judith is giving away 3 copies of Highland Rebel to 3 lucky posters living in the US or Canada.
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The Pains and Joys of Research by Judith James | Romance Novel TV
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 12:24 am:
[...] The Pains and Joys of Research by Judith James | Romance Novel TV [...]
cyclops8
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 2:47 am:
Hi Judith,
Congrats on the upcoming release. Traveling and taking fiddle and fencing lessons are fun aspects of research. What’s the longest time you’ve spent researching for your book?
PJ
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 6:02 am:
Welcome, Judith and congratulations on your new book! I adore books set in the highlands so the title alone, Highland Rebel, would be enough to draw me to the store but the fact that it’s written by such a talented writer as you definitely makes it a “must buy”. Will you tell us more about the story? Can’t wait to read it!
Love your hands-on approach to research! Since I was a teen I’ve wanted to know how it feels to drive the premier Gran Prix racing event, the 24 hours of Le Mans, a race requiring speed, agility and endurance. I’d track down eight time winner of the event, Tom Kristensen, ask him to share the details of his Le Mans experiences with me, teach me everything I’d need to know about successfully navigating the narrow streets of Le Mans then somehow convince him to let me take his Audi prototype for a spin through the course. Then I would, of course, celebrate with a bottle of lovely French champagne!
Dee
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 6:13 am:
All of what goes into research does sound like fun to me. I would love to go to England and Scotland after reading so many historicals.
Is there one particular time period, country or setting you would not want to cover?
To answer your question, I’ve always been interested in hockey and music. I know my friends have always teased me that I would love to tour a locker room after a game, but I would only get insight into a team’s camaraderie. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Pam P
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 6:16 am:
Hi Judith. I also look at any title with highlander in it, and it is on my wishlist already since I loved your first book.
You really get into your research taking those lessons (fiddle and fencing). Did you like learning enough to keep fiddling and/or fencing as hobbies now? Were you good at them? LOL.
Stacy ~
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 6:48 am:
Hi Judith
I loved Broken Wing, for which I have the lovely KristieJ to thank for bringing it to our attention. She is a force of nature, that woman 
Hmmm, my mind is a blank, probably because there are so many questions of so many people to ask. Take flying for example. I’d probably want to ask both DaVinci and the Wright brothers how they approached flying and what made them think they could get anything so heavy off the ground. What were they envisioning, and were commercial jetliners ever in their realm of possibility. How did they factor in turbulence, or even really understand what it was? Flying fascinates me as well as occasionally terrifying me, so these are the questions that I have, along with a million others.
Great having you here, Judith
Julianne MacLean
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 9:03 am:
Hey Judith – I loved Broken Wing and it was clear you did your research, because of how atmospheric it was. Looking forward to the new book. Can’t wait.
regarding your research question, I had the best time researching a book about a Victorian aristocrat who was a champion yachtsman. I got to go sailing with friends and paid particular attention to the sea. That was my favorite research experience.
KatiDancy
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 9:18 am:
*waving* It’s Judy! Hi Judy!
I’m tickled pink to have you visiting us at RNTV. You know how much I absolutely adored Broken Wing.
As to who I’d ask what, I’d have loved to have drinks with Princess Diana, and ask every nosy question I’ve ever had about her life. I am of an age where Princess Di was the be-all, end-all for me. So she always fascinated me. So not just one question, but all the nosy ones for me.
No need to enter me if the drawing, I was lucky enough to already receive Highland Rebel (review to come).
It’s wonderful to see you here, Judy!
I Heart Book Gossip
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 9:52 am:
Hello Judith!
Congrats on your release. My question is, did you have to go far away to research a book? If so where?
Please count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
CAT
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 10:01 am:
Hello Judy,
Congratulations on the new book; the title already has me intrigued and I can’t wait to read it! I loved Broken Wing so much that I sent copies to my friends to read. They are now addicted to historical books and eagerly anticipating Highland Rebel.
It certainly sounds like you’ve led a pretty interesting life and your research has taken you on many wonderful adventures. What destination would you next like to visit in the name of research?
As for your question; I’ve always been interested in religion and think it would be great to explore that topic.
Keep writing Judy and I’ll definitely keep reading!
Maureen
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 10:15 am:
Hi Judith,
Broken Wing was a wonderful story so I will definitely be looking for your new one. When will it be released? I would love to ask the Supreme Court Justices if they think about what their decisions will mean to future generations.
Jan
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 10:19 am:
Before I answer your question, I have to tell you about Sid. Everyone called him Uncle Sid (he was my dad’s cousin but we called him Uncle Sid too). He was an old bachelor who taught history. He’s the one who got me hooked on historical romance. He had stacks of historical romance novels all over his house and he told me that he loved to read them to see if he could find any mistakes in the author’s research. You gotta love his hobby. That was when I first realized how much fun it could be to read romance novels. So I was introduced to Historical Romance by my old bachelor cousin.
I think I would probably search out a Wiccan priestess and ask about Wicca and other earth religions.
Lisa Marie Wilkinson
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 10:42 am:
Hi Judy,
Your love of history clearly comes through in your writing, and the extra mile you’ve gone with efforts such as fencing lessons and an outing aboard a tall ship (with a cute captain, no less!) only lend authenticity to your descriptions.
One thing I have found while doing research is that I’ll often stumble across some really unusual or little known fact or character reference that just begs to be worked into my novel because it lends credibility to the historical world being built. Has this ever happened to you while writing/researching?
I loved Broken Wing and just learned that my pre-order of Highland Rebel is in the mail. I cannot wait to read this wonderful new tale!
Maria Lokken
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 12:01 pm:
Hi Judith!
Ahhhh- research – I love that topic. If I could choose again, I’d probably go into research as a career. Whenever I have to look something up, I find myself lost in researching the entire subject. It’s just so fascinating.
I’d love to have the chance to sit down with the pioneers of Silcon Valley – find out what they were thinking, what made them tick.
Judith James
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 1:13 pm:
Hi everyone! I just love being back here. I had such a great time last year and I’d really like to thank Maria and Marisa for hosting me again
And thank you all for your congratulations and good wishes.
Cyclops- (love that moniker) for Highland Rebel I had to do a fair bit of research on the 50 year period of Stuart rule, even though I didn’t use that much of it. It was such a complicated time with so much going on between various factions that I had to make sure I understood it so I wouldn’t (and I hope didn’t) confuse the reader. It was pretty time consuming, but now I’m very familiar with it should I chose to write other books in that period.
PJ- Here’s a brief descriptive snippet – Set during the religious warfare in the reign of James II of England (1685-1688), this rousing historical romance pits the fearless Catherine Drummond, the daughter of a Highland laird, against Jamie Sinclair, a seasoned soldier, adventurer, and spy who lives by his wit and sword-HNR. I describe it elsewhere as a story about two people who are in many ways opposites, in all ways equal; and more alike than either of them know. Love your answer! Maybe one day you’ll call Tom and tell him you’re writing a novel that features a hero who drives in the Le Mans and you’d like to take him out for a glass of champagne and ask a few questions
Dee- I don’t think there’s a period I wouldn’t want to cover but there are topics. For example I read a well written book once that took place during the Plague and I just didn’t want to be there! Yes…the locker room interview. I can see the distraction…er I mean attraction…I mean what a sight…er insight. Definitely the type of research that would help build any romance hero!
Pam- I bought a fiddle and am still practicing. Did I mention that my fiddle teacher was very attractive? Did you know that during lessons they stand behind you, constantly adjusting your shoulder, your elbow, your wrist? I make so many mistakes I may never be good at it. The fencing was something I tried twice; just enough to get a feel for it and ask lots of questions about fencing and sword fighting. Sadly I am not a natural.
Stacy- Thanks so much for the warm welcome! KristieJ is a force of nature DaVinci would make an amazing interview! I have a feeling he could see far in the future. I wonder what he’d be inventing if alive today?
Julianne- I can’t wait for your Highlander I would have to say that like you, my favourite research is getting out and doing. A book can teach you a lot, but the sun and salt on your face, the sails flapping in the wind, nothing beats going out and experiencing it. That came through so well in Surrender to a Scoundrel. All the little details about sailing were fascinating and I really had a sense of being there. Now I know how you did it
Kati I’ve missed you. That would be fascinating, a million dollar interview, and the book you could write would be a best seller!
I heart- I don’t think you have to go farther than your library and computer to research a book, particularly if you have a good imagination. I do think as you write though, you also find yourself drawing on life experiences in ways you didn’t expect, so paying attention and taking note of things, and being willing to try new things might come in handy while writing in ways you never expected.
Cat-Bless you and your friends too In my first book I researched and wrote about North Africa and Algiers, but I have never been there. I was fascinated though, and Algiers would be top on my list of places to go. I’m just curious. You said you were interested in religion. Is there someone in particular you’d love to interview?
Maureen- Thank you so much for the kind words! I would be curious about what the justices would say too. I wonder how much weight they put on that when they make a decision. It would be fascinating to hear their answers.
Jan- LOL, Uncle Sid sounds like a very interesting man. I can’t help but wonder if he skipped all the love scenes as looked for historical errors That’s a great story and he sounds like he’d make a great character in a book. Thanks for sharing. As to interviewing a Wiccan, that sounds like a great way to lay a foundation for a very interesting book.
Lisa- I know exactly what you mean, and I loved how you incorporated the storm of the century in Fire at Midnight. It became a character in the story. In Highland Rebel there were several such instances. One was Willie MacBean at Killikrankie. It was like a gift and I just had to use it.
Mary G
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 1:50 pm:
Hi Judith
I don’t read many historicals but thanks to Kristie J
I just bought Broken Wing & I’m looking forward to reading it. When I met her it was one of the first books she mentioned when we talked about favorites. I’m sure it will be one of mine too.
Marisa
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 3:05 pm:
Judith, I’m so glad you’re here today. Your love of research is certainly evident in your books. You bring each scenario to life with sights and sounds that fill the mind with wonder.
I too love to do research, I think it’s great fun to dig into the past or even the present to find what lies behind the workings of certain things, or how certain events came to pass.
I don’t have specific questions off the top of my head but I’d love to sit down and have conversations with Queen Elizabeth – her political and world views, having been in the forefront yet still on the sidelines of decision making processes, must be fascinating. I wouldn’t want to know her favorite tea or what she thinks about her daughter in laws; but rather what it was like to have met the political dignitaries and power brokers of the last 50 years.
Rachel
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 3:10 pm:
Hi Judith. I am fascinated by how you do your research. It sounds like a lot of fun, but I’m sure it is also very hard work.
I think I would like to ask Neil Armstrong what is what like to be the first man on the moon. I’m fascinated by the whole space program, what’s it like to be an astronaut and an explorer. What kind of man hurdles himself into space in a tin can to an unknown planet? What was he thinking, feeling, experiencing? I’d be fascinated.
Teresa
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 5:50 pm:
Hi everyone,
I got to check out your books I always love a Highlander. Also I love to research and it’s funny because I’m not a writer I just love history. If I could talk to anybody, do I have to just choose one? I would say Dr. Zahi Hawass because I love Egypt hopefully I get there one day. And Queen Boudicca because she stood up to the Roman Empire and not a lot of men would do that and she did {A WOMAN}. I would ask her how did she feel while she was leading all these men who never been led by a female.
Judith James
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 5:51 pm:
Hi Maria,
I know what you mean by getting lost in it. Just curious. Would that include Bill Gates?
Mary, thanks so much for your interest and kind words. I hope you’ll enjoy it. I owe a great deal to Kristie and her enthusiasm!
Marisa, I had never thought of that. She is such a mystery in so many ways. I wonder if even her husband knows what she really thinks about things. I bet in some part of her she’s dying too tell it all.
Hi Rachel, Neil Armstrong would be amazing. He literally went where no man had gone before, with no certainty of ever coming back, but what and adventure! I agree it would be fascinating to hear his impressions and have him share his experience, and also know what he thinks of the Mars missions
Judith James
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 6:40 pm:
Hi Teresa. Is Dr Hawass and Egyptologyst? She also united the Celts at least for a short while. There is a wonderful statue of her in London. She is one of my heroines.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 7:29 pm:
Hey Judith – I think I’ve read enough about Bill – but I know there are a lot of people out there who were pioneers in tech – they would be fascinating to talk to.
I imagine at the time, it was real ’sci fi’ stuff. Seriously, I was one of the first people to get a cell phone, and it was the size of a suitcase. I’m not kidding. But, before I made this business purchase – I did say to myself, “Why would anyone carry a phone around with them, when there’s a phone booth at every corner?” PS, now I don’t go from room to room in my house without my cell phone and you can barely find a phone booth on any street in NYC.
Heidi Hamburg
on Aug 19th, 2009
@ 8:51 pm:
Judith,
After reading Broken Wing, I am looking forward to Highland Rebel with great anticipation, even though I’m not a total devotee of claymores, plaids and heather.
I’d like to have a cozy little chat with the Montgolfier brothers. Perhaps they’d let me go up with that gutsy young physician who did so many of the first balloon ascents.
KristieJ
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 12:03 am:
Judith: History was ALWAYS my favourite subject in school. When I got older and combined that with my love of romance – well it was a marriage made in heaven. I loved the older style romances where you LEARNED something new while reading them.
Also – they were – and are GREAT vocabulary teachers. I have a challenge out to my son to see who can do the best in a Vocabulary contest. Next time he’s over we are going to Free Rice – I figure it will be fun and altruistic at the same time. And although he denies it, I KNOW I’m going to wipe the floor with him – and one of the big reasons why is because of the research the great romance authors have done!!
And *laughing* try talking trash talk with an athletic son over vocabulary – it was a surreal conversation.
Pam P
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 1:23 am:
Maybe I might have to take up the fiddle if I get a handsome instructor with all that touching, Judith. LOL
Judith James
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 6:46 am:
Maria, I remember a computer game called King’s Quest where you typed in instructions to make stick people move, and the old Star Trek re runs with a computer that took up all of one wall. I wonder if they had any idea how they were changing the world.
Heidi, That sounds fascinating! I guess in a way they were the first to fly.
Kristie! Hello. Dude that’s so buck, so dope, that’s sick, are you sure you can keep up? I’m with you about the old romances. I remember reading Dorothy Dunnett with a dictionary
Pam, for some reason a lot of them seem to be pretty cute. The trick is to be a slow learner lol
I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who stopped by. I really enjoyed your comments! And a big thanks to Maria, Marisa, Kati, Stacy and PJ for making me feel so welcome. You guys are the greatest!
Marisa
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 7:24 am:
Judith – it was a blast having you visit – thanks so much and congratulations on your new release – Highland Rebel!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit – we’ll be announcing the three winners of Judith James’ new release Highland Rebel later today – so stay tuned.
Marisa
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 11:22 am:
THE WINNNERS OF HIGHLAND REBEL
Judith has picked the winners and they are:
Jan, Rachel, and Heidi
Please send your snail mail addresses to alphamail@romancenovel.tv
Pam P
on Aug 20th, 2009
@ 11:42 pm:
Congrats, ladies, and thanks for the interview, Judith. So looking forward to reading your new book.
Annette Gallant
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 10:55 am:
Hi Judith! Loved Broken Wing and can’t wait to read Highland Rebel. Btw, love the cover. Very striking.
I’d ask Bernie Madoff if at any time before he got caught, did he regret what he was doing and wish he could undo his actions?